Waqf Amendment Bill gains support from JD(U) and TDP, say it will bring transparency

On Thursday, August 8, NDA allies JD(U) and TDP supported the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha, emphasizing that the bill aims to ensure transparency in Waqf Board operations and is not an attempt to interfere with mosques. Janata Dal (United) leader and Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh 'Lalan' made it clear that the bill is not anti-Muslim.

Rajiv Ranjan Singh 'Lalan' defended the bill, stating, "Several members are making it sound as if the amendment in Waqf Board law is anti-Muslim. How is it anti-Muslim?"

He continued, "Here example of Ayodhya is being given... Can you not differentiate between a temple and an institution? This is not an attempt to interfere with mosques. This law is for the institution, to make it transparent..."



He further explained the rationale behind the amendment, "How was the Waqf Board formed? It was through a law. Any institution established through law becomes autocratic. Government has the right to bring a law to ensure transparency."

Singh also criticized the opposition, saying, "There is no communal divide, they are spreading rumours."

Taking a strong stance on historical events, he remarked, "Who killed thousands of Sikhs," in a reference to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

"The Bill should come and transparency should be brought," Singh concluded.

TDP MP GM Harish Balayogi expressed his party's conditional support for the bill, noting they would not oppose if the bill is sent to a Parliamentary panel for further examination.

"I appreciate the concern with which government has brought this bill. The purpose of the donors need to be protected. When the purpose and power get misused it is the responsibility of the government to bring reforms and introduce transparency in the system," Balayogi stated.


He added, "There is a requirement for the government to regulate and streamline the purpose. The Bill has been brought and we support it."

Balayogi emphasized the potential benefits of the bill for marginalized groups, saying, "We believe that the registration is going to help poor Muslims and women of the country, and bring transparency."

He clarified his party's stance regarding further consultation, "If wider consultations are required to remove misconception, wrong information being sent, and to educate the purpose of the bill, we have no problem sending it to the select committee."

The bill proposes significant changes to the Waqf Act, 1995, including ensuring representation of Muslim women and non-Muslims within Waqf boards.

Additionally, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill aims to rename the act as the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, 1995.